All is well...But Swarm preparation

[JonnyPicklechin]

Ive got a kick ass colony, two broods, two supers and considering a third. All is well on inspections about to do my second full one at the weekend.

Last year (second year since my original NUC, I am not beginning the third), I had a swarm. In fact I had a big swarm and then a further one (initial rescued and given to my club, second went to nature). Colony back to normal.

This year I am prepared. More thorough inspections, and also a 6 frame hive, with floor, entrance, roof etc in case I need to perform a swarm prevention.

Having read up, I like the idea of the find-and-destroy-all-but-one-QCs-find-old queen-and-move-with-three-frames-and-nurse-bees-to-small-hive-a-decent-distance-away method.

Given I have had so much invaluable advice, I though I would ask for "do's" and "dont's" on this method to make sure I am good and confident should I need it.

Any decent Youtube clips?

PS I am not expecting anything this year - this all about preparation. Figure there may be others who would appreciate also.....

 

[alldigging]

http://www.wbka.com/library/library-documents/


Swarm Control: An Apiary Guide (Wally Shaw)

There Are Queen Cells In My Hive (Wally Shaw)

 

[enrico]

The method you use for swarm control can often depend on what time of the year your main nectar flow is and if you want to minimise loss of bees/honey/stores when you need them most.
Try different methods so that you can use any when the necessity arises.
E

 

[Magwat]

With the queen removal method it is essential to only leave one queen cell as it does not defuse the swarming urge. Check again after 5 days and if you are not entirely confident check again after a further 3 days. Provided you do not leave more than 1 it works well.

 

[JonnyPicklechin]

With the queen removal method it is essential to only leave one queen cell as it does not defuse the swarming urge. Check again after 5 days and if you are not entirely confident check again after a further 3 days. Provided you do not leave more than 1 it works well.

What happens if you miss one or two? Do you get a fight? Or an in-cell assassination? Or could you get two queens and then a flight with one of the virgins?

If the latter, is there any noticeable difference in swarm size?